ATI All-in-Wonder 9600 XT Video Card

• Reviewed by: jsinnott

  Strengths: Nice TV capability

  Weaknesses: Horrible, flimsy A/V Out

  Overall: This would be a decent card if ATI had not used the multi purpose, do all A/V out connection. They under spec'd the screws holding the dongle. The used an octupus dongle to connect to monitors, TVs etc. that over leverage the A/V out connector.ATI - use an engineer next time.

• Reviewed by: techdog

  Strengths: Great all-around video/entertainment/gaming card. Comes with the latest and greatest ATI remote control.

  Weaknesses: FM tuner is pretty bad (software issue?); TV tuner won't start a scheduled recording if the computer is locked (Windows XP)

  Overall: I don't do much gaming, but this card has been just fine for my needs. The TV tuner works well with pretty good, though not great picture quality (using cable TV). I can also play the latest games on it if I want to.If only ATI got their act together with the software, it would be a great card. For instance, the first few months I had this card, I couldn't use the FM tuner because it would turn to static after a couple minutes of play. It turned out to be a conflict with a Norton Antivirus driver. It's ridiculous that ATI let such a big bug slip through since so many people use Norton Antivirus. I'm not sure if they've fixed the issue yet (the workaround posted on their site was to temporarily disable the antivirus--unacceptable!), but I'm using a different antivirus program now and it seems to work OK. Though, the FM reception still isn't as smooth as it should be (sounds like it's "skipping" sometimes), which is probably still a software problem.Another ridiculous problem is that the ATI software won't start a TV recording that you've scheduled if your Windows XP machine is locked. For instance, if you're using Fast-User-Switching in Windows XP and the computer goes to the Welcome Screen, you're recording won't start. ATI claims they are working with Microsoft on a fix, but I don't have high hopes.Still a good value for the money if you can stand those two issues.

• Reviewed by: cornkid

  Strengths: Does almost everything: listen to radio, watch tv, record radio and tv

  Weaknesses: none

  Overall: This is a great graphics card to get. You can watch tv and listen to the radio. It even includes the remote wonder II, which allows you to control your computer for presentations and to change channels when watching tv. I think it's processor speed is even faster than the 9800 and with the powerstrip control panel, you can boost the speed of the card up. Even with games at the highest graphics setting, the graphics run smoothly. Great card to get if you're on a budget (under $200).

• Reviewed by: bdubslawman

  Strengths: Tv capturing; along with a strong video card. The 9600XT AIW included a Wonder II remote control. Very functional. Descent cables. FM tuner. Dual outputs(analog). Software seems strong but...

  Weaknesses: Very little instructions included and not straight forward. Software function not explained and very UNCUSTOMIZABLE. Also they take over file associations of everything WITHOUT ASKING FIRST; UNCOOL!

  Overall: The documentation included was BASIC. Relying more on help files on the software included. The card was easy to install, but the software/drivers information was unclear. In my opinion everything should have been laid out with an explanation. I ended up doin a click on everything to make sure I wasn't missing any software. The software installed where it wanted to not where I would have liked it. ATI includes its own cdplayer/dvdplayer/software etc. and it took over all relevant file associations without ever asking!! GRRRR! Takes a while to reconfigure when you use several different programs. Lots of software package/parts included, but it has been a hard learning curve finding out how to use them. Without what? ANS: Quality documentation! ALSO the registration at both the ATI site and other software sites was complicated. Often what I had wasn't listed by the manufacturers. You'd think ATI would set up something for easier seemless registration. The remote wonder II is quite powerful in range and functionality. Makes a keyboard unnecessary for many/most multimedia functionality/playback. I am using this card in an Upgraded Dell Dim 8100. Upgraded via powerleap adapter and OEM P4 2.8GHZ, 400mhz FSB, and 512mb with ME. Plays most games (Battlefield 1942, Mafia, Command&Conquer generals) with few issues. This card is really a step up for me to 128mb. Pet peave: Went to the ATI site to look for updates to the drivers. Unfortunately the drivers listed in Windows device manager are not even remotely close to what is available for download. Why can't they make driver updating built in or more streamlined. I should know within a few minutes whether I have the latest driver or whether I need to download some parts and not others. The website is cluttered and uninformative!!! I am sure it makes sense to a tech but I am no computer slouch either. Will update further (so far 2months and I am relatively happy). I guess I just expect more customer centered thought in all my products.

• Reviewed by: rsx

  Strengths: Versatility, value, performance, dual-display

  Weaknesses: No dual DVI

  Overall: Last December I bought an AIW 9600Pro for video editing purposes and was satisfied with it but I later gave it to my brother-in-law before I actually did any video stuff. I then bought AIW 9600XT at Newegg for less than what I paid for the Pro. It's a steal. Newegg rocks! Although this card did not have HL2 bundle like the Pro but it did come with the new Remote Wonder II, FM antenna and better cooling.This card is powerful enough to play most of today's games with decent resolution. If you mostly play games and is willing to pay almost twice as much then you can consider AIW 9800Pro. But you will lose dual-display ability at the same time. The All-in-Wonder series from ATI are simply the best multimedia display cards on the market. That's why I'm buying ATI again.